NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is addressing the growing criticism surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny. Goodell firmly defended the decision during a press conference on Wednesday, October 22.
The commissioner called Bad Bunny, 31, "one of the most prominent and popular artists in the world." Goodell, 66, emphasized that this level of talent is what the NFL strives for on such a significant stage. He added that the halftime show is a key element of the league’s entertainment value and is carefully planned.
Goodell noted that the NFL consistently faces backlash regarding its artist selections. "I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist without receiving criticism," he stated. He pointed out the difficulty in pleasing "literally hundreds of millions of people" who watch the event.
Goodell also hinted at the possibility of surprise guests during the performance. He referenced numerous past halftime shows that have included unannounced artists, reminding reporters that Bad Bunny himself was a surprise guest during Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 show. "The show will evolve from here," Goodell said, adding that "more talent" could be involved.
The NFL is "sure" that Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio MartÃnez Ocasio, will deliver a "great" performance. Goodell believes the artist "understands the platform" and anticipates an exciting and unifying moment.
The NFL announced in September that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, sponsored by Apple Music, scheduled for February 8, 2026. While many fans celebrated the news, some conservative commentators voiced objections. Critics primarily focused on Bad Bunny’s decision to sing almost entirely in Spanish. He also drew criticism for reportedly refusing to tour in the United States this year due to fears of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting concert attendees.
Former President Donald Trump, 79, weighed in on the controversy during an October 6 interview with Newsmax. Trump claimed he had never heard of Bad Bunny. "I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s like madness," Trump said, calling the selection "absolutely ridiculous."
A Change.org petition has since circulated, proposing the replacement of Bad Bunny with country music superstar George Strait. Additionally, the non-profit organization Turning Point USA plans to present its own "All-American Halftime Show." This alternative event aims to celebrate "faith, family, and freedom." It is worth noting that Bad Bunny was born in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated U.S. territory, making him a U.S. citizen.
Bad Bunny addressed the backlash directly during his Saturday Night Live hosting gig on October 4. "Maybe you don’t know, but I’m doing the Super Bowl halftime show," he joked during his monologue. He expressed his excitement, adding humorously, "I think everyone is very happy about that. Even Fox News."
SNL then displayed a montage of news clips critical of his Super Bowl involvement. The segment was edited to humorously declare, "Bad Bunny is my favorite musician and should be the next president." The artist affirmed he was "very excited" for the Super Bowl, saying that fans worldwide who love his music are also happy. After speaking briefly in Spanish, he quipped, "If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!"